More parks | WMAs | Outdoor activities | Nature Tourism/Outdoor Adventures | DNR home page





Hiking
Location Point Lookout State Park Trails
Point Lookout State Park, 301-872-5389
St. Mary's County
Trail Access Hikers can start their hike from any open parking lot. The park's administrative headquarters or visitor center are popular starting points. Maps can be obtained at any office. There is a map box on the open porch of the ranger station if all offices are closed.
Distance Varies with the route selected. A basic loop around the park is about five miles.
Time Varies with number of stops made and route selected.
Trail Conditions Park roads and trails are flat asphalt, gravel and dirt construction depending on route option selected. An interesting and challenging route is to walk the perimeter of the park south of the causeway. This route follows the shores of Lake Conoy, the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. If bush wacking, wet marshy areas will be encountered.
Skill Level Novice to moderate. Some sections are on sandy beach or involve walking short distances over rip-rap.
Suitable For Families? Yes, taking into account the ages and experience of the children. The network of route options allow for shortcuts back to starting point if the need arises. Short routes can be selected where rollerbladers, and individuals in wheelchairs or on bikes with training wheels can accompany hikers.
Hazards/Restrictions Traffic on the main public road and the absence of shoulders in some areas should be considered when planning your route. Mosquitoes are likely to be found on back trails. Trails are shared with bike traffic. Watch for poison ivy along trails.
Potable Water Water and restrooms are available, although many restrooms are closed in the winter. The facility on the tip of the point is open all year.
Natural Features Chesapeake Bay, Lake Canoy and the Potomac River are nearby. This is also a favorite place to watch the birds, especially during the spring/fall migrations. Migrating monarch butterflies can be found in August and September.
Historic/Cultural Features Before you get to the park office, you will pass the Confederate Monuments and cemetery. It is worth the stop. Other historical interest sites along the hike include: Museum which records the history of Point Lookout during the Civil War; and the site of the Confederate POW Camp and Fort Lincoln are south of the causeway. The Point Lookout Lighthouse can be viewed at the southern tip of the park. The Lighthouse is open to the public the first Saturday in November.
Camping Point Lookout State Park: 301-872-5389 or
1-888-432-CAMP
Other Points of Interest The Visitor Center
Many roads and trail side interpretive signs offer interesting stopping points.
Other Accommodations Hotels and motels are located in Lexington Park. A bed and breakfast is located near the park.
Fees or Permits May through September there is a $3 per person service charge to enter the park weekends and holidays.
Description This is not a challenging hike. The park offers a variety of route options to fit the hikers' abilities and interests. Smooth flat asphalt roads take you through the campground. The Visitor's Center, Museum and Nature Center are interesting stops. Just outside the Visitor Center there is a short dock leading across a narrow salt marsh and out into Lake Canoy. Behind the Visitor Center, is a short trail on the bed of a proposed 19th century Washington, D.C. to Point Lookout railroad. Continuing to meander through the campground, three route options return hikers to Route 5 and across the Causeway. To the east is the Chesapeake Bay, at its widest point. To the west is Lake Canoy. After you cross the Causeway, you can explore the site of the Civil War POW Camp for Confederates and Fort Lincoln. This is the widest spot of the peninsula and has lots of loblolly pine and smaller, dense vegetation. White tail deer and fox are often seen whe rounding bends in the trail. Continue to hike and you will pass the swimming beach and picnic area. Continue to the extreme end and notice the Point Lookout Lighthouse.


Resources Recommended Gear and Safety Tips

Return to the Nature Tourism/Outdoor Adventures homepage

Return to the Parks and Lands homepage